5 Comments

Independent Consumer
on 2017-03-25 at 1:59 PM

Stop politicising this national project which is critical for this country to progress to the next level of development. ACIM should stick to defending the rights of consumers and I wonder which consumers they’re defending? By the way, It would be good to know a bit more about how ACIM renews its membership (since it’s an association) and be transparent about its role, membership and it’s management. Every time we see the same person speaking on its behalf!! ….since when?
The Metro Express project is a project of national importance that will alleviate acute congestion and bring a step change in economic growth. At each station there will be economic development and jobs.
Does ACIM want the same state of affairs, the same old buses, the same old car pollution, the increasing fatal accidents to continue? What is their solution for the consumers? And which consumer are they talking about? I could not even find a website for ACIM.

It’s not a claim Bardoise, It’s a reality that is inevitable. check other countries where there is more than the usual mode or transport (cars & buses): there will be more choice for the transport user, hence less congestion on roads, less pollution. Rail is more sustainable. More Economic activity around the stations. it’s not just about cost, there’s many long term benefits that will outweigh the cost.
And you want future generations to sit in their individual cars waiting for the queue to shorten and cause more pollution and more traffic accidents? Who’s going to pay for that?

Yes this is the key point (your last point): there needs to be integrated transport, like in London / Paris – Boris bikes is a good idea, for short trips. Bus lane is also good in certain areas, where there’s space. In London, as you rightly said there is choice of transport mode for the user and hence this brings change in the way people make their trips too. Here with the current and future predicted heavy congestion, Mauritius needs a game changer – Mass transit Rail (to increase capacity) and a bus lane / rapid bus transit only would only be part of the solution and does not bring the other economic benefits associated with the Metro Express project as mentioned before.